1.  Receive factory direct pricing and FREE curbside delivery.

2.  You will receive an instant discount at check out!

3.  Have your instant discount matched with a mail in rebate program.

Check out the program details here:  http://www.libertysafe.com/promotion-carducci.php?utm_source=carducci&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=carducci1207

Liberty Safes are proudly made in the USA!  With designs and prices to fit ALL budgets check out their website.  Look for our review next week.  Need some advice about picking out your safe, don’t forget Danny’s hints from last week.

See You on the Range!

First, think about what should go in the safe.   First, think about what should go in the safe?  All of your non-defense firearms will need to find a place in the safe.  Make sure you choose a size that is large enough to store all of your items.  Think of other valuables such as hunting knives or personal effects that you may want to store as well.  In today’s world there are safes of various sizes and prices.  This is a long-term investment item and you do not want to select a model that will be too small in a year.  Choosing the correct size safe for your needs and future needs is where most people make mistakes.   My advice is buy the biggest safe you can afford.  I have never heard anyone say “I just have too much room in my safe. I wish I would have bought one just a little smaller.”   Also, while we are on the subject of size remember to look up. The ground square footage in my house is precious real estate so once I set aside a 4′ x 4′ location I wanted to go as tall as I could to maximize space.  I only looked at safes that were 6′ or taller.

Next, consider the locking mechanism.  We wanted a combination lock option.  There are also models that feature a programmable combination as well as a key lock.  If you do choose an option with a key lock, keep the keys stored in a separate location that your child will not discover.  Another option are bio-metric locks.  Consider needs along with speed and ease of access.

Do not forget to consider the location of the safe or lock boxes in your home.  Find a location that will not appeal to your children.  The family room will not be the best choice.  Remember the location can add another element of safety.  You may even want to consider adding a dead bolt lock on the door of the closet or room with the safe.  While the lock will not offer much protection from a burglar, it will offer a layer of protection from your children.

Besides a safe what other storage methods are available?  There are smaller lock boxes and gun safes that are great options for self-defense firearms or if a house only has one or two guns.  Lock boxes are generally constructed of sturdy, high-grade metal and can be opened by either a key or combination lock.  Some newer models have bio-metric locks that offer quicker access in an emergency situation.  If you travel, look for a lock box that will fit under the seat of your car.  There are also models that allow you to bolt the box to a wall or floor.  Check out all the specifications before you decided.   Both smaller lock boxes and gun safes are designed to prevent unintended handling and removal of a firearm.

Do not forget the gun locks.  There are different types of bore locks, cable locks and trigger locks.  Find a type you like and install them.  A trigger lock is designed to keep the firearm from being loaded or fired, but do not prevent the firearm from being handled or stolen.  Trigger locks are typically two piece devices that fit around the trigger and trigger guard to prevent access to the trigger.  They are locked by a key or combination locking mechanism.  Cable locks work by looping a strong steel cable through the action of the firearm to block the firearm’s operation and prevent accidental firing.  Again, gun locks do not prevent access to the gun.  Always use a gun lock with a safe or lock box.

Practice makes perfect.  In case of an emergency, you will need to get to your firearm in a hurry.  Have a plan and practice the scenario.  Just as you would practice dry fire for a competition, have home safety drills. No matter what option you choose for storage, remember to store your firearms unloaded and in the uncocked position.    For maximum safety you should use both a firearm safety device as well as a safe or locking storage container.

Ammunition should always be stored separately in a locked container out of children’s reach.  Make sure you keep ammo away from heat and moisture.  An extra measure of safety could be to store the ammunition on a different level of your home.  The objective is to create a situation in which conscious effort is required to bring firearms and ammunition together. One final note is not to forget your cleaning supplies.  Many gun cleaning supplies can be poisonous.  Lock these items in a cabinet that is not accessible to young children.   Often times kitchen and laundry chemicals are stored in safe areas, but we forget other types of cleaning tools that may be around the house.

Always practice gun safety in the home as it is almost impossible to child proof everything.  Keeping your firearms safe from children is one of the most important responsibilities as a gun owner.  There is no such thing as being too careful with children and guns.    After safely securing your firearms, you will need to complete the missing piece of the puzzle – firearm education.  Without proper education your preventive measures will be nearly useless.  Education as your child grows will become essential.  A great resource is the NRA Eddie Eagle GunSafe program.  Remember, always be a good example and follow with good instruction and rules.

Gun safes are the most reliable and secure way to store your guns.  Next week we will highlight our choice of safe from Liberty Safes.  Look for our series of blog posts as install, organize and secure our firearms.  We found a safe that matched our wants and needs and is proudly MADE IN THE USA.

For more information about the NRA Eagle Eddie education program, check out this website http://www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie/.

To preview our safe, check out Liberty Safes.

For education and training programs about Gun Safety, check out the NRA website for free information   http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp.

See you on the range!

When Bushnell introduced the Fusion 1600 laser range finding binocular at the 2010 shot show I was excited.  Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to experience them first hand in a variety of situations.  The result?  I am even more enthusiastic about the Fusion 1600 binoculars.  The range finding capabilities are exceptional. The fusion 1600 ARC emits invisible infrared energy pulses.  The advanced digital microprocessor or arc receives the pulses and uses that data to calculate the distance. Ranging distance and accuracy is dependent upon many factors. I had no problem ranging any game sized animal at 1000 yards and any light condition. However, the color surface finish size and shape of the targets all affect reflectivity and range – the brighter the color, the longer the range.  White is highly reflective, so it allows for longer ranges than the color black.

The angle to the target also has an effect. Shooting to a target at a 90° angle where the target surfaces perpendicular to the flight path of the laser provides good ranging at further distances. I was able to range a Buffalo at 1500 yards. A target with a steep angle makes it harder for the pulses to make it back to the processor making ranging more difficult. Other things that affect ranging are light overcast skies during the day.  I noticed better ranging during very sunny days.  With that said, I have tremendous confidence in the ranging ability and accuracy during field hunting or target shooting.

I love the concept of having an affordable rangefinder and binocular in one package.  With the various testing on the ranging capabilities, overall the Bushnell Fusion 1600 gets the job done.  I was impressed with the optics even though the Bushnell fusions do have a bluish tint.  I am not exactly sure why, but the tint is definitely there.  After using the range finding binocular in different situations I do conclude that the optical quality and clarity of the Bushnell fusion are excellent, but there are new optics coming out there it that just have better clarity, definition and crisp view.

One aspect of the binocular that is top-notch – the design!  Bushnell saw the importance of a great design with these binoculars.   They have a very comfortable neck strap.   When wearing these on a hunt, comfort is key.  Weight is another important consideration and I found these to be no heavier than a regular pair of binoculars.  They are waterproof and have RainGuard HD antifog coating.  I found this useful during the early morning hours when regular binoculars might fog.  Battery life is so-so for this item.  Bushnell states you can range 8000 times before needing a new battery.  I would recommend having a back up battery with you especially on a hunting trip.  I’ve noticed in the past that extreme temperatures especially cold weather can affect battery life.   Another design feature I enjoyed was the eyepiece attaching to the strap.  They have a good fit and are easy to take off and get out-of-the-way when you need to look through the binoculars.  In addition the binoculars are very quiet and there is not an adjustment or action that makes any noise whatsoever.  Bushnell did a fine job in designing these with the hunter in mind.

I had the 10 X 42MM model but Bushnell also makes a 12 X 50MM model.  I live in the South and the larger field of view was more important to me than the longer range of viewing provided by the 12 power.  Even though my model was designed to range from 10 to 1600 yards, I was able to get distances beyond 1600 yards.  How?  The Bushnell Fusion utilizes arc angle range compensation technology.  This takes into account the relationship between your target and your location.  This is extremely beneficial in bow hunting.  In fact, you can select bow mode or rifle mode.  Both provide a true horizontal distance, line of sight and angle.

During the test besides a traditional hunting experience and range day, we took the binoculars to Utah last year.  This trip offered two unique opportunities to test the Bushnell Fusion Arc range finder binoculars.

Buffalo at Antelope Island provided a good opportunity to range live animals.

The first test was a day of sightseeing high up in the mountains at the Snowbird Ski Resort.  We used the binoculars to look for wildlife and see the beautiful terrain close up.  I was able to use the binoculars to range distances from the moving gondola as we went up the mountain.   Even as a tourist, the Fusion Arc works wonderful.   After Snowbird we drove to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake.  Wild bison live on Antelope Island and I took full advantage of ranging the distance of the grazing buffalo from various locations on the island.  Day one of the trip left me impressed with the versatility of the binoculars.

Shooting Station at Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf in Utah

The second adventure was rifle golf at Spirit Ridge in Northern Utah.  I know most of you may not have heard of rifle golf, but check out www.spiritridgeriflegolf.com to see what it is all about.  Imagine golf with ATVs and long-range precision rifles instead of golf clubs.  The course is made of 18 various shooting stations set with targets at long distances.   You shoot at each of the 18 stations just like you would play 18 holes of golf.  At each station is an animal shape at various distances.  The vital areas are made of white steel plates.  Your goal is to place a shot on that steel plate.  The vital areas range from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.  A good range finder to set up your shot is a must!  Scoring works similar to golf:  if get a hit on your first shot you get an eagle; if it takes two shots to hit the target you score a birdie; three shots is par; and as in golf a bogey would be four shots.  From 200 to well over 1000 yards, your skill level is tested throughout the course.

I understand my description of rifle golf in no way does it justice, but this was a perfect day to test the skills of my rifle, optic, ammunition and range finder.   The targets are all at a set distances which allowed for me to test the accuracy of the Bushnell Fusion ARC binoculars.  Just how accurate were they?  Time after time I found them to be dead on accurate.  A deer size target at 1000 yards?  Not a problem! A buffalo at 1600 yards?  Piece of cake.

Overall, I feel for the money this is a good option to have.  You have good quality binoculars and a very accurate range finder together in one unit.   While the display can be hard to read in a very bright light, the ease of use and value cannot be beat.  Simple, reliable and well designed.

See you on the range!

Recently, we have decided to expound our philosophy to include another aspect – Products Made in the USA.  Who are these companies and how do their products compare?  Over the next few months Carducci Tactical will focus on a different company each week that manufacture products in America.  We will answer those all important questions – how is the quality and how does the price compare?  We understand you want the best product for your money, and we are searching the fifty states to bring you top of the line items.

In the past few months there has been an increased importance on products Made in the USA by American workers. For us, this is not just a slogan but a way of life.  Given today’s political and economic climate, this is something every American should value. Therefore, if Carducci Tactical can influence even a small percentage of our readers and inspire them to buy American made products and save one American job or company – then all the work is worth it.

Our made in America philosophy does not mean that we do not buy, use and endorse products made in other countries. The majority of the time buying American is not an option or the non-American product is inferior or more costly.   We are on a journey to find quality products and options.  If all things are equal, we should start purchasing American made guns, ammunition and accessories.

So let’s take a look at these companies and find out what they offer.   We are going to weigh all the factors during this journey leaving no stone unturned.     What shotguns are made in the USA?  Are there any American made pistols or hunting rifles?  How does Ammunition made here compare?  Is an American made scope just as good as European glass?  What about Redfield optics and Nightforce scopes?  Are these USA products cheaper or bad in quality?

We believe in American made products and companies that provide jobs for Americans.  Join us as we discover what is made in America for the shooting and hunting industry.

See you on the range!

From the website:  Connect with those who share your passion for wildlife and the land they roam at the Land & Wildlife Expo, August 9-11, in Nashville, TN. The nation’s leading conservation associations welcome landowners, land managers and hunters to an action-packed event designed especially for those wanting to get the most out of their hunting experience.

Seminar Series

You’ll find a wealth of knowledge in the Expo’s seminar series as you rub shoulders with the nation’s top habitat and conservation experts who will teach you how to turn your land into a wildlife haven. Four topic areas – wildlife management seminars, habitat management, advanced hunting strategies, and land ownership and assistance programs – give you a variety of tools for improving your land, the wildlife and your hunting experience.

Exhibitors

Stroll endless aisles and exhibits showcasing products and services that are sure to enhance your next hunt. Then venture outside to explore 105 acres of hands-on demonstrations from the top manufacturers of trucks, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, archery equipment, shooting, land management technology and more.  It’s a hunting expo not to be missed!

Entertainment

The world-class Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a great destination for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to all the unique shops and restaurants at the resort, there will be several banquets hosted by conservation groups, such as Quality Deer Management Association’s National Convention Banquet on August 10. Nashville is famous for great entertainment and fine food and this event will live up to that expectation while providing you an opportunity to support your favorite conservation organizations.

The Rockcastle Shooting center advertises as the ultimate shooting destination resort in the United States.  Sitting on 2000 acres of beautiful grounds, the resort is comprised of the shooting center, the Park Mammoth Lodge, and the Cave Valley Golf Club.   For decades the resort has been a premier golf destination and is now attracting the firearms enthusiast.  Hosting the prestigious Shooting Industry Masters for the second year in a row, the resort is also home to nationally known 3 gun matches as well as other shooting events.  All shooting sports disciplines are represented at this shooting range.

Actually shooting range does not describe the property.  The beautiful rolling hills of the Kentucky cave country provide the back drop.  Variety is key – from 3D archery ranges, to pistol bays, sporting clays and even a 1,000 yard rifle range – they have it all.

Danny Carducci takes aim at the Rockcastle Shooting Center Sporting Clays Course.

The sporting clays course may be the most beautiful in the country.  Designed by renowned course designer Bill McGuire, the targets are reset every two weeks to keep the course challenging.  To warm up for the sporting clays, you can test your skill on a 5 stand shotgun course.  We couldn’t wait to try out the course.  Zach, the range master, was extremely helpful with tips and explanations.  The sporting clays were a highlight of our trip.  Each stage will challenge your shotgun skills.   The course was built on an old golf course and the mulched cart trails through the woods could not be more picturesque.    This activity is a must when you travel to the Rockcastle Shooting Center.

Amy Carducci enjoys shotgun time at the Park Mammoth Resort.

Bay 1 at the Rockcastle Shooting Center

The next day we were up early to try out the pistol bays.  The bays are top-notch as is the rest of the resort.  Bay 1 had a plate rack and we spent a few hours with the steel.  The Rockcastle Shooting Center has a permanent Cowboy Action shooting town complete with five old western façade stages.  If you have your rifle, they have ranges from 50 to 1,000 yards and beyond.  Don’t forget your bow – they have a 20 station 3-D Archery course set across their rolling terrain.

There are over 60 shooting events scheduled for 2012 with big plans for the future.  Classes are often on the schedule and include topics from concealed carry to wilderness survival training.   The center was home to the eight-day NRA Women’s Outdoor Adventure early this year.  Women from all parts of the country received personalized instruction in rifle, pistol and shotgun while exploring the many other activities the resort and area offer.  Other events on the horizon include the Rockcastle Tactical Shotgun Championships,  AR15.com Rockcastle Pro Am 3-Gun Match, AR15.com Red Dawn Weekend and Blue Ridge Mountain 3 Gun.

If you are interested in more than shooting, check out the Cave Valley Golf Course.   Offering 18 holes of unique golf, this par 70 course is just over 6,000 yards long.   Other activities within a short drive of the resort include Mammoth Caves National Park.  We took in just two of the many tours of the world’s longest known cave system.   Mammoth Caves isn’t your only option as this is the Caves, Canoes and Corvettes region of Kentucky.  From fishing and canoeing to seeing Corvettes made, you will have no trouble finding a fun activity for any member of your party.

At the end of your day, you retreat to the Park Mammoth Lodge and Restaurant.  The staff is wonderful.  Every person we encountered worked hard and was extremely friendly.  Check in at the front desk is quick and easy.  The Wine Bar is just off the lobby where you can try some of Kentucky’s finest wines.  In a few years, Park Mammoth’s own grapes will be producing and the winery will be in full production.  Other amenities at the hotel include free Wi-Fi access in a comfortable area near the front desk.  The resort even features entertainment on the weekend.  On Saturday night you could take carriage rides or listen to music outside under the big trees.

There is no need to leave the lodge for food.  The Lookout Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The food was above average.  We found the price and quality to be outstanding and the service can’t be beat.  We had breakfast and dinner at the resort.  The hard-working servers go above and beyond making sure everything is just right.  Breakfast was quick and tasty.  For dinner we tried the buffets and the steak.  Again, we were not disappointed.  The food is fresh and prepared to order.  The buffet is constantly restocked and even though packed, service never suffered.  In fact, the restaurant is known in the area and the Sunday lunch crowd fills it to capacity.

The lodge is older and is in the process of being renovated.  We had a very clean room on the second floor.  Our bed was comfortable and it was nice to walk two minutes to the restaurant.  There is a covered indoor/outdoor pool, so do not forget to pack your swimsuit.   Overall, the hotel has a nice nostalgic feel.  While it is not luxury lodging, it is very welcoming and the resort activities of shooting and golf cannot be beat.  You will have a relaxing time and the hotel will charm you as the warm, friendly staff takes care of your needs.   Just like us, you will be planning your next trip to Park Mammoth BEFORE you return home.   The advertisement is correct – this is the ultimate shooting destination in the USA.

On the sporting clays course there are rabbits of all kinds along with beautiful scenery.

For more information, visit www.parkmammothresort.us or www.rockcastleshootingcenter.com.  Check out more photos of our adventure at our Carducci Tactical Facebook page.  When you plan your trip, let us know.  We can help with suggestions on what to pack including what type of guns you may want to take.   We also can help with itinerary suggestions and other activities in the area.

The paths at the Sporting Clay Course are fantastic.

We want to help you have a blast like we did on our trip!   Just send us a quick email at danny@carduccitactical.com or Amy@carduccitactical.com  This resort needs to be on your bucket list!

See you at the Rockcastle Shooting Center!

Sevigny Performance is a Civilian and LE training company conducted by World Champion Pistol Shooter Dave Sevigny.  Dave is well-known for his Warren Tactical Series patented Sevigny Competition and Carry Sights.  Now, for the FIRST time, the Sevigny Sights can be purchased direct at www.davesevigny.com. The new Sevigny Performance Online Store offers accessories and its own apparel line, including hats and shirts!

Sevigny Performance was created in 2004 to open a door of improved pistol shooting to all shooters. Classes with Dave Sevigny are available upon request and will take your shooting to the next level regardless of your ability or background. Training programs are specifically designed to assist every shooter in achieving their shooting goals. For more information, email Sevigny Performance at info@sevignyperformance and visit the new online store at www.davesevigny.com!

Three Days. Two Shows. One Roof.

June 8-10, 2012 Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA

Last summer we had the opportunity to attend our first BLADE show. We had a blast and can’t wait for the upcoming show here in Atlanta. If you live close mark your calendar for this event. In addition to knives, there is a tactical gear expo that is included in the price of admission. For more information check out the website for the show here.

BLADE Magazine is proud to present the world’s LARGEST knife show, featuring the most diverse array of knife manufacturers, custom knifemakers, collections and products under one roof. For 3 days, they will give you the very best of the knife-making and knife-collecting industries–—nearly 700 tables and over 200 factory booths and thousands of products—as well as unique educational seminars and edge-of-seat fun at the BladeSports International Competitions!

In addition, check out the Blade Magazine Knife of the Year® awards, Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame© induction, the annual ABS meeting, the 10th Anniversary BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition, forging demos, collecting how-to’s and so much more.

Not only is the 2012 Survival+Tactical Gear Expo located under the same roof as the BLADE Show, but entry is FREE with your BLADE Show admission! Survival+Tactical Gear Expo is open to the public and features manufacturers, dealers and suppliers of products and services related to tactical firearms, tactical knives, self-defense gear for civilians and all manner of products for law enforcement and military applications.